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Science · Space exploration · published 2026-10-19 · via Scientific American

JAXA Prepares First Sample-Return Mission to Martian Moon

Image via Scientific American
Image via Scientific American

The Japanese Aerospace Exploration Agency is launching MMX, a mission designed to visit Mars’s moons, collect material from Phobos and bring it back to Earth. The spacecraft is expected to arrive at Mars in 2027, study Phobos and Deimos for several years, and land on Phobos in 2031. NASA supplied instruments and personnel, and the samples are intended to clarify the origins of Phobos and the broader Mars system.

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MMX is scheduled to launch Monday afternoon, U.S. Eastern time. After reaching Mars in August 2027, it will spend several years surveying both Phobos and Deimos before attempting a Phobos landing in 2031. NASA contributed instruments and staff to the effort.

Scientists hope returned Phobos material will clarify whether the moon formed from a captured asteroid or from debris ejected by a collision with Mars. Such evidence

Expanded detail and Context are AI-generated analysis; the linked article remains the authoritative source.
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This summary is Al-enhanced to contain extended analysis and broader social context. The original is {NAME); the linked article is the authoritative source. Original headline: “The first mission to sample Mars’s moons launches today.” Browse more stories.